If you or someone you know is in danger of suicide, please seek help immediately. You should:

  • Call 999;
  • Call Lifeline on 0808 808 8000;
  • Use your local emergency department.

Don’t try to manage your or someone else’s suicidal thoughts on your own. Remember, thoughts about suicide are just that – thoughts. They won’t last forever and often they pass quickly. Many people who have had serious thoughts about suicide have said that they feel completely different only hours later.
You can read more by following the links below:

Connect

This week we are focusing on the need to CONNECT to support our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Building connections with others and social interactions are important for your mental wellbeing, good relationships can:

  • provide emotional support and allow you to support others;
  • give you an opportunity to share positive experience; and
  • help to build a sense of belonging and self-worth

During the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak it is important to maintain good relationships whilst following local Northern Ireland coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions and recommendations around face covering and social distancing.  There are lots of ways you can connect with others at this time, either socially distanced or virtually, such as:

  • if possible, take time each day to be with your family, for example, try arranging a fixed time to eat dinner together;
  • arrange a socially distance meet up with a friend or family member; and
  • make the most of technology to stay in touch with friends and family.  Video-chat apps like Skype and WhatsApp are useful

For a library of helpful Healthcare apps click here.

For more examples on ways to connect, visit the COVIDWellbeingNI Hub.

It is important that we look out for each other and this leaflet aims to help you to ask, listen and talk to someone you know if you are concerned that they are experiencing issues with their mental health.

Other helpful leaflets can be found here.

World Suicide Prevention Day

10 September 2020 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

On World Suicide Prevention Day we are highlighting the importance of connection and communication.

If you, or someone  you know, is in distress or struggling to cope, call Lifeline and speak to a counsellor immediately on 0808 808 8000. Lifeline is the Northern Ireland free-to-call crisis counselling helpline that provides immediate support for those in crisis, distress and despair. Lifeline is available to anyone across Northern Ireland 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Help if you are thinking about suicide:

-          It is very important to know that if you are having thoughts of suicide you need help and support to deal with whatever is causing you to feel this way. Talk to someone you can trust and tell them how you are feeling.

-           If you feel that you can’t talk to anyone you know or would prefer to talk to someone anonymously contact Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.

-          Click here for more information on help and support available

Helping someone else who is thinking about suicide:

-          When someone is thinking about suicide, it is frightening for everyone involved.  You might find it hard to understand what they are going through and you might be uncertain as to how you can help.  This leaflet has helpful information for anyone concerned about suicide. 

-          If you would like to learn more about suicide prevention, you can take the Zero Suicide Alliance Suicide Awareness Training free online. This training aims to give you the skills and confidence to help someone who may be considering suicide and focuses on breaking stigma and encouraging open conversations. 

Helpline services in Northern Ireland provide immediate support, advice and information on a wide-range of health and wellbeing concerns.  Helpline services available in Northern Ireland include befriending and listening ear services, click here to find a helpline and speak to someone today.

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